Is Cedar Rapids or Des Moines Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cedar Rapids is safer than Des Moines (Safety Score 20/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 2,951 per 100,000 versus 3,831 for Des Moines — 23% lower. Cedar Rapids has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cedar Rapids has a 83% lower rate.
Cedar Rapids — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cedar Rapids, IA
Des Moines, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cedar Rapids | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,951.3 | 3,831.4 | -880.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 262.3 | 704.9 | -442.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.7 | 4.3 | -3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 11.1 | 51.1 | -40.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 30.3 | 75.0 | -44.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 219.4 | 572.5 | -353.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,689.1 | 3,126.5 | -437.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 274.1 | 462.6 | -188.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,203.0 | 2,142.0 | +61.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 212.0 | 521.9 | -309.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedar Rapids or Des Moines safer?
Cedar Rapids is safer with a total crime rate of 2,951 per 100K vs 3,831 for Des Moines — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cedar Rapids has a violent crime rate of 262.3 per 100K while Des Moines has 704.9. Cedar Rapids has lower violent crime.
About Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a city bisected by the Cedar River, boasts a vibrant Czech Village reflecting its immigrant history. It is the second-largest city in Iowa, with a population approaching 140,000. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 135,363, Cedar Rapids has a total crime rate of 2,951.3 per 100,000 residents.
About Des Moines, IA
Des Moines, Iowa's capital, sits on the Des Moines River. It's known for its thriving insurance industry and has a growing population, with a median age in the mid-30s. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 209,245, Des Moines has a total crime rate of 3,831.4 per 100,000 residents.